IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Here we can discuss difficulties with comfort in sitting and normal living - cushions, bicycle seats, car seats, work stations etc.
Faith
Posts: 697
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:15 pm

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by Faith »

I see a lot of people on here love the IC cushion. i have been wanting to try it, but don't want to waste my money on another cushion that doesn't work! Was wondering you guys' opinion. I am about 130lbs and have a lot of pain at the ischial tuberosity area. Would you go with firm or soft?
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
pianogal
Posts: 437
Joined: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:11 am
Location: Orange County, CA

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by pianogal »

Go with firm. Soft will not support you off of your ischial tuberosities. When it first arrives in the mail, for one or two days it will be too hard... and then it will soften up dramatically... and be just right.

Firm balances you so that you aren't touching right where it hurts... or at least less touching...

I weigh 122 right now, am 5 foot 2, and use the 3 inch firm or 2 inch firm. (darn, I used to be 110!)
-straddle fall age 4-7 w/bleeding labia, tampons hurt in teens, papsmere started annoying pelvic 'tingling' & pne in 02
-obturator surgery w/ Filler in 05 (useless, created sciatic & plantar fascitis pain)
-TIR surgery w/ Bautrant in 08 and vestibulectomy in 08 in France (vest. removed pain w/intercourse, pain w/sitting increased post surgery)
-chronic fatigue & food allergies/migraines (gluten, milk) from pain meds in 08
-want a life back. I'm 34 w/8+ years of pain
JeanieC
Posts: 198
Joined: Tue Sep 21, 2010 11:47 pm

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by JeanieC »

Faith,

I weigh 130 too and I agree with pianogal. I have just bought the 3 inches of firm foam in the ICN cushion which must be at least my 5th cushion but it is the only one that actually hold all of my painful parts from touching a chair. I did have to take off the cover though and replace it with a stretchy pillowcase.
Diagnosed with left side PN by Dr Renney, March 2010, after over 2 years of searching for help
Left TG Surgery, Dr Ansell, August 2010, failed to relieve pain
Faith
Posts: 697
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:15 pm

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by Faith »

Maybe I am different from my PN sufferers because my pain is basically on my sit bones and in my sacral area. With the IC cushion trough only being 4 1/2 in width I don't know how it will hold my sit bones off a chair. Guess myabe I'll try it anyway. Thanks for the input ladies.
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
Faith
Posts: 697
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:15 pm

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by Faith »

I ordered the IC cushion "D" of 2 inch firm foam, but I honestly don't know how you guys tolerate this cushion. I can't have anything touching my sit bone area so I guess the donut is the only thing that will work for me for a while. The firm was very firm for me and it feels like my sacrum is just stabbing me whenever I sit. I was so disappointed because I liked the look of the cushion much better than my makeshift donut on a toilet seat, but I just can't tolerate it :( Apparently I am very different than most on here because no one seems to give any seat cushions ideas that don't put pressure on the sit bones.
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
JeanieC
Posts: 198
Joined: Tue Sep 21, 2010 11:47 pm

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by JeanieC »

They are returnable if you haven't already taken off the plastic cover, but you probably have since they are hard to evaluate with the cover on. I have read of people who have cut the foam to the shape they wanted, maybe you could try this if too late to return.
Diagnosed with left side PN by Dr Renney, March 2010, after over 2 years of searching for help
Left TG Surgery, Dr Ansell, August 2010, failed to relieve pain
Robyn
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Dec 27, 2010 6:45 pm
Location: Patrick Springs, VA. USA

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by Robyn »

Faith wrote:Maybe I am different from my PN sufferers because my pain is basically on my sit bones and in my sacral area. With the IC cushion trough only being 4 1/2 in width I don't know how it will hold my sit bones off a chair. Guess myabe I'll try it anyway. Thanks for the input ladies.
Faith,

Your not the only "sit bone pain" lady/gent. We all need to form a group :lol:

I really don't remember who chimed in on the topic when I mentioned it, but there were several "sit bone" pain people that also had that awful sacrum pain too.

Maybe "search" "sit bone" pain and it will find the thread for ya.

Don't feel alone in this area. If I must do a long drive, it feels like my sit bones (ischial tuberious sp?) are going to pop righ thru my skin...........lol :(

Robyn
VA-USA-6/03 Horseback Accident-Broke Pelvis at Pubic Ramis-Left
By 12/03 had ALL signs of PNE. HORRIBLE BURNING when sitting
24 doctors & image studies found nothing over 7 yrs
Found this site 10/10 At last I had HOPE
PN Block 9/10 ALL areas of burning numb for 24 HRS
2 more blocks-no lasting relief, but numbed all "burning" areas
Pulsed Radio Frequency 01/11 did nothing
Surgery 3/3/11 Dr Dellon Balto, MD - Greatly reduced pain right away. Currrently in post-op healing phase.
Faith
Posts: 697
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:15 pm

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by Faith »

Robyn wrote: If I must do a long drive, it feels like my sit bones (ischial tuberious sp?) are going to pop righ thru my skin...........lol :(

Robyn
What type of cushion do you use for long drives? I don't even attempt drives over 30mins right now without being able to lay down in the back seat :(
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
Robyn
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Dec 27, 2010 6:45 pm
Location: Patrick Springs, VA. USA

Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by Robyn »

Hello Faith,

I just use a gel ice pad and make sure to take my meds on time.

Robyn
VA-USA-6/03 Horseback Accident-Broke Pelvis at Pubic Ramis-Left
By 12/03 had ALL signs of PNE. HORRIBLE BURNING when sitting
24 doctors & image studies found nothing over 7 yrs
Found this site 10/10 At last I had HOPE
PN Block 9/10 ALL areas of burning numb for 24 HRS
2 more blocks-no lasting relief, but numbed all "burning" areas
Pulsed Radio Frequency 01/11 did nothing
Surgery 3/3/11 Dr Dellon Balto, MD - Greatly reduced pain right away. Currrently in post-op healing phase.
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Violet M
Posts: 6770
Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2010 6:04 am
Location: United States
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Re: IC cushion is my fave PNE cushion

Post by Violet M »

Faith, I had the same problem as you. Never did find a cushion with a big enough cut out area that worked. The roho contour select cushion works better than anything for me but it's very pricey. I was able to get my insurance to cover it at 100%.
PNE since 2002. Started from weightlifting. PNE surgery from Dr. Bautrant, Oct 2004. Pain now is usually a 0 and I can sit for hours on certain chairs. No longer take medication for PNE. Can work full time and do "The Firm" exercise program. 99% cured from PGAD. PNE surgery was right for me but it might not be for you. Do your research.
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